RIDING FOR FOCUS

GRANT APPLICATIONS OPEN OCTOBER 5, 2026

What is Riding for Focus? 

Riding for Focus (R4F) is a school cycling program designed to help students improve focus, confidence, and overall well-being through riding. Developed as a result of our research findings, the program is designed to help young riders build confidence and skills on the bike. Eligible schools may receive a grant to establish a program, which includes a fleet of bikes, helmets, and curriculum. 

Why bring Riding for Focus to your school?   

Students today face rising levels of physical inactivity, mental health challenges, and social disconnection. Providing access to fun ways to engage in physical activity can result in many benefits to students, including improved attention, memory, mood, and long-term health (CDC, 2025). The Riding for Focus program provides a turnkey cycling program that can support student well-being, behavior, and engagement, all while introducing students to ride safely and confidently, a skill they can use throughout their entire life.

Riding more frequently is associated with higher wellbeing, even when controlling for socioeconomic status, gender, and sleep (Schuck, L. & Walker, E., 2025).

• 100% of teachers would recommend the program to another school. 

• 81% of students say R4F is fun. 

• 78% of students report improved knowledge of riding their bike safely. 

• 77% of students report better understanding of how their bike works.

• 61% of students report being more interested in riding outside of school. 

1 in 5 students lack access to a bike at home (as high as 50% at some schools), making school a powerful way to introduce all students to a fun and engaging activity they can participate in throughout their life. 

What are the ways to get the Riding for Focus program?

Thanks to the generous support of Specialized Bicycle Components, Outride is able to provide a limited number of Riding for Focus grants each year. Schools that do not receive a grant may still access the program through local sponsorship, direct purchase, or by utilizing our future Open Access Curriculum.

1. Riding for Focus Grant

Eligible schools may apply to receive bikes, curriculum access, and implementation support from Outride. Grant award includes: 

• A fleet of Specialized Rockhopper bikes 

• Specialized Camber Helmets  

• Outride Riding for Focus Curriculum  

• Instructor Training  

• Implementation support and assistance from Outride Staff  

The grant application cycle is open October 5, 2026 - January 29, 2027. Learn more about the grant application process below, or register for the R4F Informational Webinar.

2. Partner with a local sponsor

Schools can bring Riding for Focus to their students through the support of a local foundation, corporate partner, community organization, or individual donor.

Outride can work with schools and sponsors to develop a funding plan that provides bikes and helmets, curriculum access, instructor training, and program implementation support.

If you're interested in finding a sponsor or sponsoring a school in your community, contact us at hello@outridebike.org.

3. Purchase the program

Schools and organizations that do not receive or are not eligible for a grant may purchase the program directly from Outride. Purchased programs include.

To purchase the program, contact us at hello@outridebike.org.

4. Build your own - coming soon!

Use Outride's free Open Access Curriculum to build your own cycling education program.

Build Your Own programs do not include bikes, helmets, equipment, instructor training, or implementation support from Outride, but provide access to the core educational content and activities that make Riding for Focus successful.

Stay tuned for announcements on when Outride’s Open Access Curriculum will be available.

Who can apply for the Riding for Focus grant? 

• Public Middle School (grades 6-8) serving 50%+ students from low-income backgrounds  

• A partnership of a public middle school and a local nonprofit partner for implementation support. Partnerships must be led by the school. 

What is the Riding for Focus grant application process and timeline?

Please read our grant guidelines and FAQ to assess your readiness to implement R4F in your community. 

• Application Window: Oct 5, 2026 – Jan 29, 2027 at 11:59 pm PT 

• Interview with Outride Staff 

• Notification: Feb 12, 2027 

• Onboarding period: Feb 12, 2027 – Mar 31, 2027 

• Outride Summit: July 20th, 2027

• Camp Outride: Jul 21, 2027 – Jul 22, 2027 

• Bikes and Equipment Distribution: August – October 2027